Renewing Your Social Work England Registration: Why, How, and When?

Written by Cieran Donnelly, Head of UK Qualified Social Work

September is officially here, and as we all reluctantly admit, summer—if we even had one this year—is officially over. A startling fact is that we are now less than 16 weeks away from 2025. However, a more pressing deadline looms: we are just over 10 weeks away from the SWE renewal deadline. 

The SWE renewal process is now open, and it’s important to complete it as soon as possible. Failing to renew your SWE registration will result in your removal from the register, and you'll be required to pay a late fee of £135 to reapply. 

Why? 

If you are a social worker in England, you must renew your registration with Social Work England every year to continue practicing. The renewal period opens on the 1st of September, and all social workers must complete the process online before the deadline on the 30th of November. 

Renewing your SWE registration is not only a legal requirement for social workers but also a way to demonstrate commitment, professional growth, and the maintenance of professional standards. By renewing your registration, you show that you have not only maintained but also updated and expanded your skills and knowledge, engaged in continuing professional development (CPD), and are fit to practice safely and effectively. 

Renewing your SWE registration also keeps you connected with the social work community and serves as a reminder of the resources and support that Social Work England provides. 

How? 

To begin your renewal, simply visit the Social Work England website, log in to your account, on the website here Social Work England and follow these steps: 

1. Check and update your personal and employment details. 

2. Confirm that you have read and understood the professional standards. 

3. Upload at least two pieces of CPD that reflect on the professional standards, with at least one-piece containing peer reflection. 

4. Declare that you are fit to practice and have no health or character issues that may affect your ability to practice. 

5. Pay the annual registration fee of £90. 

What is CPD, and How Do I Record It? 

CPD stands for Continuing Professional Development. It is intended to support social workers in enhancing their skills, growing their social work knowledge, and maintaining consistency with good practice. Social workers must now record two pieces of CPD per year, one of which must include peer reflection. 

Recording your CPD has become much easier in recent years. SWE has created a form that aids reflection on activities you could include in this section. 

Many social workers complete CPD activities weekly as a natural part of their role. Activities such as listening to podcasts, shadowing colleagues, attending specialized or refresher training, and reflective work alone or with your manager can also count towards your CPD. 

Record CPD - Social Work England 

When? 

The registration process is now open, so it is advisable to complete the application as soon as possible. The latest you can renew is by 11:59 pm on the 30th of November 2024. If you miss this deadline, you will have to pay a £135 late fee and risk being removed from the SWE Register. Therefore, the advice is to get it done now to avoid any potential issues. This year, it is even more important to meet the deadline, as Social Work England has removed the 21-day grace period. So, don’t be late! 

If you have any queries or need any support reach out to our Head of UK Qualified Social Work, Cieran Donnelly, directly on cieran.donnelly@csltd.org.uk